The National Probation Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova with the support of the Council of Europe, has initiated the development of a rehabilitation programme for alcohol-dependent offenders under probation. The first working group meeting took place on 19-20 March 2026 in Chisinau, with representatives from 11 territorial probation offices participating.

Alcohol abuse remains a significant factor behind violent and antisocial offenses in Moldova, and probation interventions require specific professional tools to address the complex needs of offenders with alcohol dependency. This new structured, evidence-based programme aims to lower re-offending rates by increasing awareness of the causes and consequences of alcohol abuse, promoting positive behavioural change, and strengthening communication, mutual support, prosocial attitudes, and personal responsibility among offenders.

The development of the programme will be followed by a pilot and validation phases over the next 18 months.

The activity was organised under the auspices of the Project “Further strengthening the prison and probation systems, the provision of health care, and the treatment of patients in closed institutions in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented through the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova (2025-2028).